>Cook County Arrest Records Online

Cook County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cook County, Minnesota?

Arrest records in Cook County, Minnesota are public documents pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies most government data, including arrest records, as public information that must be accessible to citizens. The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records as essential to maintaining governmental transparency and accountability.

Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes:

Enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
Provides transparency in the criminal justice system
Allows individuals to verify information about themselves
Supports journalistic and research endeavors
Facilitates background checks for employment and housing

The Cook County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data. While most arrest information is public, certain data elements may be classified as private or confidential under state law, particularly in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would compromise public safety.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cook County?

Cook County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Cook County Sheriff's Office provides a digital jail roster that is updated regularly with current detention information. This online resource is maintained pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 2, which requires law enforcement agencies to make certain arrest data publicly accessible.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch also maintains the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which provides access to case records including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings in Cook County. This system operates under the authority of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.

Online access to these records is subject to the following limitations:

Certain sensitive information may be redacted
Records of expunged arrests may not appear
Juvenile records are generally not available online
Technical limitations may affect the completeness of digital records
Historical records may not be fully digitized

Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, obtaining complete records may require additional steps or in-person requests.

How to Look Up Cook County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Cook County arrest records have multiple methods available to them. Each method provides varying levels of detail and requires different procedures as outlined below:

In-Person Requests: The most comprehensive method for obtaining arrest records is to visit the Cook County Sheriff's Office in person. Requestors may examine public records during normal business hours and request copies for a nominal fee as established by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3.

Cook County Sheriff's Office
143 Gunflint Trail
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: 218-387-3030
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Official Website

Alternatively, records may be accessed at:

Cook County Courthouse
411 W 2nd Street
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: 218-387-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Online Access: The Minnesota Court Records Online system provides case information related to arrests. Users may search by name, case number, or citation number. The system is available 24 hours per day, though scheduled maintenance may occasionally limit access.

Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Records Division of the Cook County Sheriff's Office. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, agencies must respond to data requests in a timely manner, typically within 10 business days. Requests should include:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Requestor's contact information
Specific information being sought

A reasonable fee may be charged for copying costs as permitted under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3.

Contents of a Cook County Arrest Record

Cook County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include the following elements:

Identifying Information:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Any known aliases or alternative names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
Driver's license number (partially redacted in public versions)

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges and citation numbers
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and processing information
Detention status and facility information
Bail or bond information, if applicable

Case Processing Information:

Court case number
Scheduled court appearances
Disposition of charges (if resolved)
Sentencing information (if applicable)

Supporting Documentation:

Arrest narrative or incident report summary
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Fingerprint classification information
Property inventory (items in possession at arrest)

It should be noted that certain information may be withheld from public disclosure if it relates to an active investigation, would impede the judicial process, or is otherwise classified as private or confidential under Minnesota law. Medical information, victim identities in certain cases, and information about juveniles are typically redacted from public versions of arrest records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cook County

The expungement process in Cook County allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Expungement does not physically destroy records but restricts access to them by the general public. The Minnesota Court of Appeals has established that expungement is an equitable remedy designed to prevent unfair disadvantage to individuals whose past legal issues are no longer relevant to public safety.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may qualify for expungement of Cook County arrest records under the following circumstances:

The charges were dismissed
The individual was found not guilty
The case was resolved in the individual's favor
The individual completed a diversion program
The conviction was for certain low-level offenses after statutory waiting periods
The arrest was made without probable cause

Application Process: The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Cook County District Court. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, the petition must include:

Complete criminal history
Reasons for seeking expungement
Details of the offense and case disposition
Steps taken toward rehabilitation
Notarized signature of the petitioner

Cook County District Court
411 W 2nd Street
Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: 218-387-3610
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website

After filing, a hearing date will be scheduled, typically 60-90 days from filing. Notice must be served to all relevant agencies that maintain the records. At the hearing, the court will consider factors including:

The nature and severity of the offense
The risk posed to public safety
The length of time since the offense
The petitioner's criminal record before and after the offense
The petitioner's rehabilitation efforts
The hardship caused by the records remaining public

If granted, the expungement order will be sent to all agencies possessing the records, directing them to seal the information from public view. Government agencies may still access sealed records for limited purposes as permitted by statute.